Da Vinci's, Lumineers or Composites? YANAD, I know. I'm almost Golem! :(

October 14, 2009 10:38 PM

My front teeth look like Golem, almost. Please help me choose between Da Vinci's, Lumineers and Composites. I've got a decent budget, but don't want to break the bank. I know YANAD.

My front teeth are a bit ridiculous. First marred by trying to bite the cap off of a stuck pen years ago, which wasn't too bad.

Recently tho, while eating sunflower seeds, I've been committed to a Golem-type look which is really aggravating knowing I've taken decent care of my 'teef'

I'm very curious to know (specially seeing as how it seems to be a sore subject for many as there was only one hit) as to which methods have been successful for some.

I'm not in a rural area but I'm not as near a metropolis as I would like to be, either.

Oh and any recommendations for a new electric toothbrush are welcomed - I have a 3 yr old Oral B that needs replacing.

Thanks for your read! and in advance for your reply!

posted by prodevel to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

I think it depends on what you're starting with. . . if you have some good shape and you can get some fills, that would be the simplest and cheapest to go with. With veneers and lumineers, you have to factor in that every few years you're going to have to go in for replacement work. . . once you mess with a tooth, you will have to keep fixing it for the rest of your life.

A dentist friend of mine recommended Sonicare fwiw.
posted by No New Diamonds Please at 12:31 AM on October 15, 2009

The ultimate choice of material should be made after a thorough examination of your mouth. The health of your gums, the nature of your occlusion (bite), the space available, the forces that your might put on the restorations, will all factor in.
Teeth that are discolored can be a different challenge altogether than teeth that are rotated, misaligned or in heavy heavy function.
If properly done, ceramic restorations will typically last twice as long or longer than composites (rough figures of course), but the exact situation in your mouth should be the determining factor.
The best toothbrush is the one that you use. that being said, sonicare is the standard, and i have no stake in the company.
Yes IAAD, but NYD.
PM me if you'd like to give/receive more info.
posted by OHenryPacey at 6:53 AM on October 15, 2009 [1 favorite]

Sonicare.
posted by charlesv at 8:21 AM on October 15, 2009

I've been using a Rota-dent toothbruth that I got from my father's dentist (who highly recommended it), and now I hate to use anything else.
posted by metabrilliant at 10:12 AM on October 15, 2009

I second Sonicare - they're the best! Since I began using it, my dentist points out my "excellent homecare" at every visit. I use this model.
posted by bahama mama at 10:37 AM on October 15, 2009

I got Lumineers in my early 20s and was told they'd have to be replaced. Not true. I'm now in my mid-40s and they're still perfect. It's obvious they'll go the rest of my life.
posted by VC Drake at 1:46 PM on October 15, 2009